2026 Oscars: Predictions, Nominees & How to Watch with Conan O’Brien

The 98th Academy Awards are nearly upon us, promising a night of celebration and, potentially, history-making moments. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony will honor the best in film from the past year, but the competition is particularly fierce this time around.

Leading the charge is Sinners, which has garnered a record-breaking 16 nominations. The film, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, is a frontrunner in major categories including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. Hot on its heels is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, with 13 nominations, followed by Sentimental Value and Marty Supreme, each receiving nine nods.

The potential for groundbreaking wins extends beyond sheer nomination numbers. Sinners isn’t just aiming for a high tally. it could potentially surpass the existing record for the most Oscar wins in a single night. A successful evening for the film could see it claim at least 12 awards, cementing its place in Academy Awards history.

Individual accolades are also within reach for several nominees. Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the cinematographer for Sinners, has the opportunity to become the first woman and the first Black cinematographer to win the Best Cinematography award. Coogler, too, is poised to potentially become the first Black filmmaker to win Best Director. These potential victories would represent significant milestones for representation and inclusivity within the industry.

The international spotlight will also be shining brightly. Wagner Moura, the star of The Secret Agent, could become the first Brazilian actor to win an Oscar in an acting category should he take home the Best Actor award. Further adding to the potential for historic wins, Chloé Zhao, the filmmaker behind Hamnet, could become the first woman to win the Best Director award twice.

The awards season has been closely watched, with industry observers noting the difficulty in predicting winners across the board. The sheer number of critically acclaimed films and strong performances has created a particularly competitive landscape. The nominations reflect a diverse range of storytelling and talent, making the outcome all the more uncertain.

Beyond the awards themselves, the ceremony promises to be a spectacle. Conan O’Brien’s hosting duties are anticipated to bring a blend of humor and commentary to the event. The red carpet, beginning around 5:30 p.m. ET, will offer a first glimpse of the stars as they arrive, setting the stage for an evening of glamour and anticipation. The display officially begins at 7 p.m. ET.

The success of Sinners, in particular, is noteworthy. The film’s widespread recognition underscores a shift in the types of stories being told and celebrated within Hollywood. Its focus on complex characters and compelling narratives has resonated with both critics and audiences, demonstrating a growing appetite for diverse and thought-provoking cinema.

The potential for multiple historic wins – Durald Arkapaw, Coogler, and Moura all breaking barriers – speaks to a broader conversation about representation and opportunity within the film industry. Even as progress has been made, these nominations highlight the ongoing need for greater inclusivity and the importance of recognizing talent from underrepresented backgrounds.

Chloé Zhao’s potential to win a second Best Director award would further solidify her position as a leading voice in contemporary filmmaking. Her operate consistently challenges conventional narratives and offers unique perspectives, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

The 98th Academy Awards represent more than just a celebration of cinematic achievement; they are a reflection of the evolving landscape of the film industry and the cultural conversations that shape it. As the night unfolds, all eyes will be on Hollywood to see which films and individuals will be honored and which stories will be told.